Infant Found Alive In Carrier

March 28, 2002|By Vicky Agnew Staff Writer

MIRAMAR — A couple who lived near Fire Station 19 was awakened by the sound of crying early Wednesday and went outside to investigate.

In a gravel area adjacent to the station's parking lot at 6700 Miramar Parkway, they found a baby girl, who looked to be no more than 2 months old, wrapped in a blanket and nestled in a child carrier. The couple called police, who took the baby into the station.

The infant had a pacifier, a bottle of formula and a note, apparently written by the baby's mother, said Miramar Fire Capt. Randy Gonzalez, who was on duty at the time.

"She said she knew this was the hardest decision she'll ever make in her life, but that she knew it was the right decision," Gonzalez said of the note. "It also said, `Please take good care of my child.'"

Firefighters took turns holding the infant and made calls to local adoption agencies, the Department of Children & Families and other social service agencies. They fed the infant formula about 3 a.m. and then took her to Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital at Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood.

"She was in very good condition, very clean condition, and was actually cooing and happy at some points," Gonzalez said.

He added that he and other firefighters have children and were disturbed by the situation.

"It just kind of baffles you. You don't know how to respond," he said. "As time passes, you realize how serious this issue really was."

The baby girl, who is black and who appeared to be healthy, was turned over to DCF, said DCF Deputy District Administrator Mary Allegretti.

The baby will be placed in foster care while a search for suitable relatives is conducted. If none are found, the baby will be eligible for adoption, Allegretti said.

Miramar police are investigating and would like those involved to come forward. The baby appears to be too old to fall under the state's "Safe Harbor" law which permits parents to drop infants no older than three days at fire stations or hospitals without fear of being prosecuted.

Police spokesman Bill Robertson said he did not recall anyone abandoning a baby on city property in the past 27 years.

"We understand the spirit of what the mother was trying to do, and that she was trying to do the right thing," Officer Bill Robertson said. "But we're asking them to come forward and identify themselves."

Vicky Agnew can be reached at vagnew@sun-sentinel.com or 954-385-7922.